The simultaneous release of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” ignited a firestorm of creative memes, including this poster on Etsy.
For those who haven’t looked yet, it’s happened: Barbenheimer—the portmanteau created by the simultaneous theatrical releases of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer—has its own Wikipedia page. Together, according to Variety, the two films have created “the biggest collective box office weekend of the pandemic era, as well as the fourth-biggest overall weekend in history.”
Aside from the discomfiture that comes from this weekend bonanza happening as writers and actors are out on strike, it’s still refreshing to hear about audiences heading back to the theater, watching movies together in the dark, on a big screen, immersing themselves in a director’s unique artistic vision.
Nolan should be gratified by $80.5 million in ticket sales as of Sunday morning—a remarkable haul for a serious R-rated historical drama about the dawning of the Atomic Age. While it drew a 65 percent male audience compared to Barbie’s 65 percent female audience, many moviegoers saw both films. The National Association of Theater Owners projected that 200,000 people would see both movies the same day on opening weekend.
As for Gerwig’s Barbie, the $155 million domestic take is not only the largest opening weekend of 2023 but also the biggest debut ever for a female director. The movies that came closest were superhero-powered: Captain Marvel (directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck) and Wonder Woman (directed by Patty Jenkins).
Made in California
While Barbie may not be a superhero, she’s definitely a cultural icon—and one that was born in the Golden State. This week, Jonathan Vankin delves into the Southern California toy industry. The biggest name is Mattel, creators of Barbie and Hot Wheels. Between the two brands, Mattel turned both girls and boys into little consumers, eagerly collecting the latest models.
But there were other toy manufacturers who benefited from both the area’s shipping infrastructure and its people power—the creative folks who created movies and television shows, built theme parks, and did design work in aerospace and high tech. We take a look at some of the greatest hits, from a soft plush toy to computer software.
Ten Trendsetting Toys
Barbie is the most famous California-born toy. But there are other iconic playthings that were created or brought to market here.
• Mountain View Looks to Update Its Historic Preservation Ordinance
City officials are looking to revise the strategy for protecting buildings of historical significance, including a fresh look at the list of properties worth preserving.
(07/24/2023) → Mountain View Voice
• Nonprofits Pitch Affordable Housing Projects on Palo Alto’s Parking Lots
When Palo Alto approved last fall a program that allows developers to build affordable housing on downtown parking lots, city leaders weren't sure whether anyone would take them up on the offer.
(07/24/2023) → Palo Alto Online
• Longtime San Jose Leader First to Enter District 10 Race
Lenka Wright, a former broadcast journalist turned communications director for Mountain View, is eyeing the District 10 San Jose City Council seat to represent the Almaden and Santa Teresa area.
(07/24/2023) → San Jose Spotlight
• Q&A: Meet Santa Clara County’s New Executive
On July 10, James Williams was sworn in to oversee Santa Clara County’s 23,000 employees and a $11.3 billion budget at a time when the county is facing fiscal uncertainty with a growing deficit that could balloon to $158 million by the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
(07/24/2023) → Read the full The Mercury News report
• Cocktails and Changes at Grillin & Chillin Alehouse
Chuck Frowein sold his Grillin & Chillin Roadhouse on San Juan Hollister Road. Now he’ll focus on his Alehouse at 401 McCray St., and expand the menu, including a much larger selection of tacos.
(07/23/2023) → Benito Link
• Michelin 2023 Results: Which Bay Area Restaurants Won Stars?
The Michelin Guide International had the annual reveal of its coveted stars for fine dining, and California held its reputation as a culinary mecca, keeping all six of the state’s three-star restaurants and all 12 two-star restaurants.
(07/21/2023) → Read the full The Mercury News report
• Palo Alto Pushes Back Against ‘Builder’s Remedy’ Project at Creekside Inn Site
A developer looking to invoke the “builder’s remedy” rule to build a residential complex and a hotel at the Creekside Inn site in Barron Park hit a roadblock when the city deemed its application incomplete.
(07/20/2023) → Palo Alto Online
• MVLA Faces Lawsuit Seeking Records About Ethnic Studies Program
A Maryland-based legal group is suing the Mountain View Los Altos Union High School District to obtain records related to its ethnic studies program.
(07/20/2023) → Mountain View Voice
• ‘Massive’ Santa Clara Development Recommended for Approval
Santa Clara’s Planning Commission has recommended that the City Council approve a development project that would reshape the city’s downtown area. The mixed-use development will have retail on the first floor and 50 condos above plus three single-family homes and four townhomes.
(07/19/2023) → Silicon Valley Voice
• Legal Challenge Against San Jose’s Gun Insurance Law Dealt Serious Blow
San Jose’s gun liability insurance requirement—upheld by a federal court judge last week—will make the city safer from the firearm-related violence, proponents say. But nearly eight months after the ordinance went into effect, no residents have been cited.
(07/19/2023) → Read the full The Mercury News report
• Diversify or Die: San Francisco’s Downtown
San Francisco has become the prime example of what downtowns shouldn’t look like: vacant, crime-ridden and in various stages of decay. But in truth, it’s just one of many cities across the U.S. whose downtowns are reckoning with a post-pandemic wake-up call.
(07/18/2023) → The Sacramento Observer
• San Jose Political Show Says Goodbye to Longtime Host
Terry Christensen, host and executive producer of Valley Politics, retired in May after eight years leading the show on CreaTV San Jose. He's been an expert on local politics and public policy for decades.
(07/18/2023) → San Jose Spotlight